ITHACA, N.Y. –– Cayuga Health (CH) and Ithaca-based biotech company Rheonix Inc. are now able to provide same-day turnaround for COVID-19 test results, they announced in a press release Thursday.
With expedited emergency approval from the FDA, Rheonix is able to launch its COVID-19 MDx Assay this week. The rapid sample-to-answer test enables the fully automated detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, directly from respiratory samples.
“Because our fully automated system is so easy to deploy and operate, it’s a perfect solution for rapid testing in hospitals like Cayuga Health,” said Greg Galvin, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Rheonix Inc. “The faster people can get diagnosed, the faster they can get treated, and the faster we can turn the corner on this pandemic.”
Rheonix Inc., based in Cornell University’s Business and Technology Park, was founded by Ithacan Dr. Greg Galvin. They specialize in developing rapid, sensitive and specific molecular testing across a variety of markets.
“I am incredibly happy to be able to support Cayuga Health –– Rheonix’s hometown health system –– with their fight against this COVID-19 pandemic by giving them the ability to provide same-day test results to their patients,” Galvin said.
Tompkins County sampling center, which opened March 24 in portable structures in the parking lot of The Shops at Ithaca Mall, had testing turn around times of up to five days before the new Rheonix system.
“We typically see between 150 and 250 patients a day at the sampling center and before implementing the Rheonix system it could take a few days to get the test results back,” stated Dr. Elizabeth Plocharczyk, Specialist in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology at Cayuga Health. “Until now, we had been sending the samples to a large commercial lab for testing. With this new test method, we can process around 200 samples per day, right here in the hospital. ”
The sampling site is available for drive-through testing weekly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. A new website with online registration is available for patients to review the screening criteria and pre-register before their arrival, allowing greater efficiencies with patient volume and decreased wait times. In addition, a call center has been set up for patients who may not have access to Internet, need assistance registering, or have questions. The call center number is 607-319-5708. Individuals are strongly encouraged to pre-register prior to coming to the site.
As directed by Governor Cuomo, COVID-19 testing is free for all New Yorkers, regardless of health insurance.
“We were successful with opening one of the first COVID-19 drive through sampling centers in our state and will continue to do what it takes to fight this epidemic and meet the healthcare needs of our community, right here,” Martin Stallone, president and CEO of Cayuga Health said. “We are thrilled to team with Rheonix, located right here in Ithaca. Their technology and expertise has enabled us to be able to provide same-day results for COVID-19 testing –– one of the quickest turnaround times in our region.”